Feyenoord Secures Japanese Defender Tsuyoshi Watanabe on Long-Term Deal
Feyenoord has officially announced the signing of Japanese central defender Tsuyoshi Watanabe from AA Gent, securing his services until mid-2029.The 28-year-old brings a wealth of experience and is expected to instantly bolster Feyenoord’s defense with his stability and leadership qualities.
Belgian journalist Koen Frans described Watanabe as a “quite power with managerial qualities,” highlighting his consistent availability and lack of injury history. “He doesn’t necessarily have a big physical presence, but he is very cunning and smart,” Frans told the Algemeen Dagblad. “He is also a very hard worker with an excellent mentality. No opponent enjoys playing against Watanabe.”
Watanabe’s arrival at De Kuip was prompted by meaningful defensive injury concerns within the Feyenoord squad. With Thomas Beelen, Gernot Trauner, Jeyland Mitchell, and Antef Tsoungui all sidelined, and the potential departure of Dávid Hancko, Jan Plug is currently the only fit central defender. Watanabe’s impressive performance in a practice match against AA Gent reportedly caught Feyenoord’s attention.
Frans is confident in Watanabe’s ability to contribute significantly to Feyenoord. “He has a great passing range, covers well, and can play football; he is a typical modern defender,” he stated. Watanabe’s remarkable fitness and minimal missed games in recent years, even when traveling for international duty with Japan, further underscore his value.
While not a marquee signing commanding a multi-million euro profit, Frans believes Watanabe’s sporting value far exceeds his transfer fee. “watanabe hasn’t played in the absolute top tier, yet he shows all the signs of being able to handle a much higher level.Feyenoord can enter the Champions League with him, I am absolutely sure of that. He is a top acquisition.”
Watanabe’s versatility in the central defense,capable of playing on either the right or left side,makes him an invaluable asset given Feyenoord’s current squad limitations. His defensive awareness and speed allow him to effectively cover space, providing Robin van Persie with a reliable option for the Champions League preliminary rounds and allowing time to scout for a long-term left-footed reinforcement.
